“We have more than enough time to arrive.”
She supposed the ship would not leave without them. They saw Harry’s coach just ahead of them on Piccadilly. Giff glanced back. “Montagu is behind us.”
“Does Harry know which dock?”
Giff shook his head. “We’ll take the lead when we get closer to the area.”
A half an hour saw them to Wapping where the New London Docks were located. Harry’s coach slowed and moved over to allow she and Giff to pass. The ship was much larger than she thought it would be. “What type of ship is it?”
Giff helped her from the coach. “A four-masted barque.”
“Even though it’s been fitted as a yacht, it also carries guns and cargo.” There were a few men on ship, but she did not see any of Giff’s family. “I wonder where everyone is?”
He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her hair. “I have no better idea than you do. Let’s enjoy the quiet while we can.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
A man in a pristine blue uniform approached them. “Giff, it’s good to see you again. All the luggage is on board, stowed in your cabins. Your servants arrived not long ago.”
They had to have left when her maid carried out her bag with the last things in it.
Giff turned to her. “My love, may I introduce Captain Ewan Dewar, a cousin.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain.” She held out her hand, and he bowed.
“Ewan, please, my lady. It’s a pleasure.” He glanced at Giff. “I will meet the rest of the passengers once we are underway.”
“Yes, of course.” Giff waved to her sisters and brothers-in-laws. “Come along. We need to cast off.”
The captain accompanied them up a long wooden board. “Thank you for sending the luggage yesterday. It was helpful.”
Alice scanned the ship. “Where is everyone else?”
Captain Dewar grinned. “They are traveling back to Scotland by coach. The laird sent the vehicles down. He thought you might want some time to yourselves before you are beset by the family again.” He helped her aboard then glanced at the dock. Her sisters and their husbands were waiting to board “Who are your guests?”
“My sisters and their husbands. We are all recently wed. You can hear the whole story when you have more time.”
He welcomed the others onboard and gave the command to cast off. Alice as well as her sisters and brothers-in-law waited on deck until they were near Greenwich.
Giff’s stomach growled. “Ewan, is there anything to eat?”
He grinned. “I thought you’d never ask.” He took them to a steep staircase. “Go right down there. Your nose should lead you to the dining room.”
Alice wondered where they would sleep. “Are our rooms down here as well?”
“No, my lady. They are down the other set of stairs.” He pointed to the middle of the ship.
“Thank you.”
They found porridge, eggs, bacon, some sort of grilled bread, and a smoked fish.”
“Mornin’ to ye,” a man said. “Got tea. If yer wantin’ coffee, it’s in Inverness.”
“Tea for me, please.” Alice looked at her sisters and new brothers. “Tea for everyone.”
They all nodded.
“Tea it is.”
The dishes were placed in holders on a sideboard with raised edges. “I suppose this is so the plates do not fall or slide around.”
Madeline seemed to have a hard time keeping her eyes open. “Eat and sleep.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea.” Alice took a bit of everything and poured tea. She took a sip. It was excellent but different than what she was used to. She would ask what type it was later.
* * *
On the fourth day, they landed at Inverness. After spending ten days touring the area, visiting Giff’s family, and learning more about their estate, they were back onboard for the passage to France and a continuation of their joint honeymoons.
Paris, France.
One night the ladies retired early, and Giff and his brothers-in-law were sipping fine French brandy.
Stern twirled his glass, watching the amber liquid coat the sides of the glass. “I am sure Madeline is breeding.”
